The 2nd edition of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Youth Forum welcomed over 400 young professionals and students from 4-6 December 2023 to participate in and shape a more sustainable future for the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf region.

“The youth in the GCC region have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the petrochemical industry. Young professionals often bring fresh perspectives and are typically more adept at embracing new technologies and innovative processes. They are more environmentally conscious and can lead initiatives in renewable energy integration and carbon footprint reduction in petrochemical processes. Young professionals often have a global mindset, enabling them to foster international collaborations, which are vital in an interconnected global industry, like petrochemicals,” Nadia Al Hajji, CEO, PIC, said.

Mutaz Essa Barshim, a Qatari track and field athlete and World Champion, shared with attendees his inspiring story of perseverance and success. The program continued with a GPCA Youth Majlis, featuring a panel discussion on unlocking the potential of human capital for the sustainable future of the chemical industry. A CEO panel saw esteemed regional industry leaders including Dr. Mohammed Al-Mulla, Managing Director and CEO, QAPCO; Hazeem Al Suwaidi, CEO, Borouge; Eng. Yasser Al-Abbasi, CEO, GPIC; and Hilal Al Kharusi, Chief Executive, Commercial and Downstream, OQ, share their perspective on the role of youth in driving the sustainability agenda forward.

The forum continued with a debate session, which provided an opportunity for the youth to challenge industry leaders Naser Aldousari, President and CEO, EQUATE, and Abdulrahman A. Shamsaddin, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, on the 

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “GPCA’s advocacy efforts on talent development in the region have reached a pinnacle this year, with the culmination of the 2nd GPCA Youth Forum, the region’s first such event, which provides exclusive opportunities to young professionals to network, exchange knowledge and contribute to shaping the chemical industry’s future alongside senior industry leaders. What makes the forum’s format truly unique is the fact that it is led by the youth, for the youth, and in this way it facilitates invaluable knowledge transfer and experience for everyone involved. I sincerely hope our young delegates have found the forum beneficial this year, I thank them for their tremendous contribution, and I look forward to engaging them in future GPCA initiatives.”